posted on December 14, 2000 05:34:07 PM
This was described as a electric Magic Lantern when I purchased it at auction.
I have not been able to find any referance site and I have doubt about what this might be.
The images show the entire "light" with a soft drink can included in the photo to give scale. It includes the bulb housing, sliding arms and a front frame holding a magnifying circle of glass.
It is missing the metal piece which would close off the rear of the bulb compartment. There are NO names or numbers any where on the unit and I expect they might have been on the missing rear plate.
I have included an image looking into the bulb compartment which contains a very large bulb (almost 7 inches wide) that has no visable designation. I have plugged the cord into a socket and the bulb lit up with a very powerful brightness.
Any suggestions what this is and where I can research information for accurate auction description will be appreciated.
I did purchase some glass slides within metal frames at the same time which were suggested to be from the same source which gave creditability to the "Lantern" designation at that time. The slides appear to be from approx. 1929 and speak in favor of Prohibition and against alcohol.
posted on December 14, 2000 05:44:38 PM
Hi Ray, yes, that appears to be correct, they're called Magic Lanterns. I'm no expert on the subject, have you tried doing a search on eBay?
posted on December 14, 2000 05:47:31 PM
This is the entertainment precursor to the movies. Audiences paid to see images projected from the lantern with musical or narrative accompaniment. I'm surprised you can't find any references to "magic lantern", as this is the common terminology for this apparatus.
posted on December 14, 2000 05:49:43 PM
BTW Ray, this model being a later one, is probably worth less than the slides it came with. I would think the Prohibition slides might be worth a few $$$.
posted on December 14, 2000 06:17:04 PM
To be more correct, I can find Magic Lantern sites and listings on eBay but all seem to refer to the earlier models that had kerosene(?)lamps as a light source.
I started to wonder if this was just some form of a stage light.
PS The slides are interesting. A picture of Abe Lincoln with a quote about slavery and drunkards, a chart showing how increased permits in Canada to sell liquor created immediate increase in convictions for lawlessness/drunkenness (1923/29)and statements about alcohol being a drug and much like opium, cocaine and heroin. You would almost think you were reading today's headlines if you didn't look carefully. "The Secret Life" of our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents ?
Sounds like Canada may have opened a few extra bars to help-out their southern neighbors in the same spirit they have always shown to be there in any time of our need.
Audiences paid to see images projected from the lantern with musical or narrative accompaniment. I'm surprised you can't find any references to "magic lantern", as this is the common terminology for this apparatus.
